On November 19th, ULI San Francisco brought together members of the land use community at Gensler’s downtown San Francisco office for a night of fun and friendly rivalry at the inaugural UrbanPlan’s Got Talent competition. This unique event showcased the talents of three dynamic teams: the Young Leaders Group (YLG), NEXT, and our esteemed Executive Board.

UrbanPlan is a hands-on educational program that equips students and community members with a deeper understanding of the urban planning process. Through immersive role-playing scenarios, participants tackle the complexities of land use decisions and learn how to craft sustainable, equitable, and thriving communities.
Each team prepared a proposal in response to a fictional RFP to redevelop a neighborhood in the imaginary town of Elmwood. Their goal: win over a mock City Council with their vision for a vibrant, sustainable community.

The Honorable Mayor Karen Majors, along with Council Members Shwetha Subramanian and Bryan Thornton, made up the discerning City Council. The teams delivered impressive presentations, each bringing a unique flavor to the redevelopment challenge.

Team NEXT “Kids on the Block” proposal, complete with a 90s-themed presentation and matching outfits, impressed the council and secured them the win. Team YLG’s nostalgic “Vibetown” pitch deck and clever Gen-Z references captured the hearts of attendees, earning them the People’s Choice Award. Team Executive Board brought plenty of flair with matching outfits and a bold attempt to bribe the mayor with a birthday cake. Their swag was coveted by attendees – making everyone a winner!

The evening wasn’t just about competition—it was also about connection. Attendees enjoyed margaritas, networked with peers, and celebrated the shared mission of UrbanPlan: building better communities. Thank you to everyone who participated, cheered, and joined us for this unforgettable event.

To those who missed out, we’d encourage you to join us at our upcoming UrbanPlan training and stay tuned for our January UrbanPlan Happy Hour.